The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania (ICA) has appointed Akilah Child as Director of Communications and Content, effective February 2025. A strategic communications leader with nearly two decades of experience in brand development, storytelling, and audience engagement, Child joins ICA to spearhead innovative content strategies that amplify the voices of contemporary artists and expand the museum’s reach nationally and internationally.

“With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of how contemporary institutions can meaningfully engage audiences, Akilah brings an invaluable perspective to ICA,” said Hallie Ringle, Interim Director and Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator. “As a museum that has long served as a laboratory for the new—where artists like Agnes Martin, Teresita Fernández and Carl Cheng had groundbreaking early exhibitions—ICA thrives on risk-taking. Akilah’s vision for communications aligns with our mission to challenge audiences, spark dialogue, and push the boundaries of contemporary artistic discourse.”

In her new role, Child is a key member of ICA’s leadership team, overseeing branding, marketing, media relations, content development, and digital storytelling. She will lead the creation of a dynamic brand identity and develop strategies that inspire curiosity, deepen engagement, and position ICA at the forefront of contemporary art discourse. Through cutting-edge digital storytelling, audience development initiatives, and high-impact media campaigns, Child is committed to ensuring that artists remain at the center of ICA’s communications efforts.